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Two North Texas Men Indicted Over Alleged Plot to Seize Haitian Island and Enslave Women and Children

Two North Texas men — 21-year-old Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and 20-year-old Tanner Christopher Thomas — have been federally indicted for allegedly plotting to seize the Haitian island of Gonâve by killing male residents and enslaving women and children. Prosecutors say the scheme, alleged to have run from August 2024 to July 2025, involved recruiting homeless mercenaries and acquiring sailing and combat skills. If convicted on the overseas-conspiracy counts they face up to life in prison; child pornography production charges carry 15–30 year terms. Both defendants have signaled not-guilty pleas and the case remains pending.

04:22 AM, 11/24/2025Security
Two North Texas Men Indicted Over Alleged Plot to Seize Haitian Island and Enslave Women and Children

Federal prosecutors have indicted two North Texas men who are accused of plotting to seize control of Gonâve, a Haitian island, by killing male residents and enslaving women and children. The charging documents name 21-year-old Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and 20-year-old Tanner Christopher Thomas and allege federal crimes including conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap in a foreign country and production of child pornography.

Allegations in the indictment

According to the indictment, the scheme spanned from August 2024 through July 2025. Prosecutors allege the men sought to recruit homeless individuals in Washington, D.C., as mercenaries to carry out an assault on Gonâve, an island with roughly 87,000 residents. The documents say the men studied Haitian Creole to communicate with islanders and that Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, allegedly to develop skills he believed would be useful for the operation.

Preparations described by prosecutors

Prosecutors contend Weisenburg enrolled at the North Texas Fire Academy in Rockwall to learn what the indictment described as “command-and-control protocols,” but did not complete the program. He then allegedly traveled to Thailand to learn to sail. The pair reportedly planned to purchase a sailboat, firearms and ammunition and to travel to the island.

The charging documents further allege the defendants intended to kill the island’s male residents so they could carry out what the indictment described as their “rape fantasies” against women and children. The indictment also references additional co‑conspirators but does not identify them.

Charges, potential penalties and legal status

The two men are charged federally with conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap in a foreign country and with production of child pornography. If convicted on the overseas conspiracy counts, each faces up to life in prison; the child pornography production charges carry potential penalties of 15 to 30 years. Court proceedings are pending.

Defense response

A lawyer for one defendant has indicated his client will plead not guilty. A lawyer for the other defendant wrote that if readers initially find the government’s account "crazy, wild, impossible, or beyond belief," they should reserve judgment while the case proceeds.

What remains unknown

These are allegations contained in an indictment; they have not been proven in court. The available public record does not yet detail evidence or identify all alleged co‑conspirators. Further filings and court hearings will clarify the government’s evidence and the defendants’ responses.

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